Fresh in the memory

eventually the beautiful vague
reflections sharp on the waves
but for now stories about
things in the heart
times we hold dear
clear callings to hang dreams
better than the ticking in the hallways

So much is absurd that none of the birds
observe much except the nerves of the judge
and the vast ribbon that unfolds thus
the vast chain of reason that unfurls so
the liquid course of knowledge
mother to child

mooring more than the truth allows
unknown of the risk of loss
unbeknown of the passage of dross
the limiting screen unknown to the nurse
as she knelt down to help Uncle Henry
down the ladder
of verbs
before he breaks
out in a rash of
bad nerves

its a dream but the symptoms are real
there is nothing he can do
but sing
like he did in the past